Building Science
Inspections for When Buildings Behave Badly
Is your building "talking back" or causing persistent issues? At N.W.Infrared, we listen. From hidden leaks to moisture intrusion, understanding the science behind building performance can uncover the root causes of common problems.
Whether it's thermal anomalies, poor insulation, or hidden damage in the building envelope, our expertise in thermal inspections and building science inspections can provide you with actionable insights to protect your investment and resolve those pesky issues for good.
Core Areas of Building Science
Building Materials
Understanding how materials perform over time.
Building Envelope
Detecting thermal anomalies, leaks, and inefficiencies.
Installation Details
Ensuring construction aligns with performance goals.
HVAC Systems
Evaluating heating, ventilation, and air conditioning for optimal comfort and efficiency.
Indoor Air Quality
Identifying factors that impact health and comfort.
Moisture Intrusion & Fungal Growth
Resolving hidden issues that compromise building health.
How Does Building Science Help You?
The practical purpose of building science inspections is to provide documentation as to the current condition of the structure or condition and provide a pathway for remediation and or repair.
This type of inspection is provided by a non-bias inspector not a contractor with a vested interest in the outcome or cost to cure.
About Brent Foster
Certified Level III Thermographer
“The Most Qualified Thermographer in the Northwest!”
Infrared thermal imaging equipment is currently being sold all over the world to individuals with absolutely no training or experience in building science thermography.
Infrared equipment is not a Polaroid where point and shoot will yield usable information without the knowledge of heat transfer, infrared science and building construction.
Brent was first a successful certified building inspector for 13 years and has evaluated thousands of residential, multi family and commercial buildings throughout the state of Washington. With that background, Brent made the decision to specialize in building science thermography.
Brent Foster first earned the Level I Thermographer designation. This is the first level of real credentials in the field of thermography. Brent took this certification further and completed the training and testing and he is now certified as a Level III Building Science Thermographer by the Infrared Training Center (ITC).
As a Level III Thermographer, Brent Foster is the best professional in the region to perform your needed infrared scans, investigations, testify on your behalf, and discover issues that others with less experience completely overlook.
About
Non-Destructive, Precision Thermal Infrared Thermography Helps You PinPoint Problem Areas
As professional thermographers, we can provide high-quality drone aerial roof infrared thermal imaging inspections throughout the Northwest US.
We perform an aerial roof infrared thermal imaging inspection after sunset. Then we provide a report with regular and infrared thermal images. Western UAS drone aerial roof infrared inspection services provide high quality and resolution that sets us apart from our competition.
Licensed ● Insured ●
ITC Certified Level 1 Thermographer
About
Tom Ethen
Licensed ● Insured ● ITC Certified Level 1 Thermographer
Tom delivers expert drone-mounted FLIR thermal imaging inspections to uncover hidden roofing issues like trapped water before they cause costly damage.
With years of experience in the Northwest US, Tom conducts precise aerial infrared inspections after sunset, providing detailed reports with standard and thermal images. His commitment to accuracy, efficiency, and innovation helps property owners protect their investments smarter, safer, and faster.
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Mold
Bleaching and scrubbing alone aren't enough to get rid of mold.
Many people try to eliminate mold with bleach, however bleach does not kill mold it just whitens it. Bleach does not remove excessive moisture so for mold remediation bleach is useless.
Identify Moisture Issues and Prevent Mold Growth with Infrared Inspections
Is Mold Testing Important?
The species of mold in most cases is not important. So to take air samples and have them cultured in a lab is of little use in many cases. You do not want growing mold of any type. So if you see mold growth you most likely do not need a mold test.
Limitations of Mold Testing
Air sample mold testing can be of some use if you do not see mold and you are curious if there is none visible fungal growth spores somewhere in the structure.
Keep in mind just because no significant mold spores were found that does not indicate there is no mold, it could mean there is no flowering or growing mold.
The Question to Ask About Mold
So the question is: What has changed that is creating enough moisture to support plant life.
Fungal growth inspections are about one thing and that is water. If you presently do not see any mold you will need to control the moisture in the future.
Opportunistic Mold
Some of the unusual situations that we have found that create moisture and eventually fungal growth are:
Too Many House Plants
House Plants Can Contribute to Indoor Mold Problems.
90% of the water used on plants evaporates into the air.
Too Many People
Too many people in living space can contribute to mold issues.
We have found that a working couple that retires and is now spending all day at home with their grandchildren can create enough moisture to overwhelm the venting system.
Aquariums
Aquariums can contribute to mold issues.
All of the water in an aquarium evaporates into the structure and eventually migrates to the attic, then the magic mold starts to grow.
Day Care
Homes Converted to Day Cares Can Be High Risk for Mold Issues.
When a single family home is converted to a day care may contribute to mold problems when there are too many people and too much moisture for the venting systems.
New Attic Insulation
Improperly installed attic insulation can create mold issues.
If new attic insulation is installed without air sealing all penetrations through the ceiling the new insulation keeps the attic colder and the hot moist air migrating into the attic condenses and promotes mold.
Inadequate Venting Systems
Inadequate venting systems can contribute to mold problems.
We find many buildings with new roofs where the contractor changed the turtle vents on the roof to an inadequate ridge vent system that does not work well enough to dissipate water vapor.
Save Money & Protect Your Investment
Thermal Roof Inspections
Infrared thermography roof inspection allows you to pinpoint leaks and other problem areas so you can make the best repair or replacement decisions for your situation.
